When Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl launched in November 2021, fans of the original Sinnoh games were thrilled by the faithful recreation—but also critical of the bugs, missing features, and the infamous "softlock" issues. Over the following months, ILCA (the developer) rolled out several patches. However, none were as anticipated—or as final—as Version 1.3.0.
Released quietly in March 2022 (just weeks before Pokémon Legends: Arceus began to dominate the conversation), Update 1.3.0 marked the end of major support for the BDSP titles. But don’t let the word "final" fool you. This patch completely reshaped the endgame, competitive accessibility, and quality-of-life for trainers.
If you’re revisiting Sinnoh or just downloaded the game for the first time, here is everything you need to know about the Pokémon Brilliant Diamond 1.3.0 update.
While the update was necessary, it left several criticisms of the game untouched. If you were waiting for an update to fix your grievances with the art style or level design, 1.3.0 will not change your mind.
Update 1.3.0 was a major patch for Pokémon Brilliant Diamond (and Shining Pearl), focusing on post-game content, online features, and bug fixes. It was the final significant update before the end of active support.
Absolutely. Here’s why:
The only reason to stay on 1.0.0 or 1.1.2 is for duplication glitches. But for legitimate play, 1.3.0 is the definitive version.
Despite hopes, 1.3.0 did not add:
| Pros | Cons | |-----------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------| | + Fixes post-game soft locks | – Forced EXP Share remains | | + Legendary spawns in Grand Underground fixed | – No Battle Frontier or Platinum content | | + Union Room stable for 8 players | – Outdated event distribution model | | + Trading/battles less laggy | – Core visual issues unaddressed |
Score: 6.5/10 (Up from a 5/10 at launch)
If you abandoned Brilliant Diamond after the first month, 1.3.0 won’t turn it into the Platinum remake you dreamed of. But if you’ve been waiting for a stable, less broken version to shiny-hunt or complete the National Dex, this is the time to dive back in. It’s the patch the game should have launched with—just four months too late, and missing the deeper changes only a true overhaul could bring.
Recommendation: Update, trade, and complete your Sinnoh dex, then immediately switch to Legends: Arceus for a fresh experience.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl (BDSP) version 1.3.0 update, released on March 15, 2022, introduced key end-game content and long-awaited online features. Key Features of Version 1.3.0
Arceus Encounter Event: Players can now encounter the Mythical Pokémon Arceus in the Hall of Origin. This event is unlocked if you have a Pokémon Legends: Arceus
save file on your Nintendo Switch that has completed all main missions. pokemon brilliant diamond 1.3.0 update
Global Wonder Station (GWS): The GWS facility in Jubilife City is officially open for online Wonder Trading. This allows players to trade Pokémon with random trainers worldwide, though a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership is required.
Gameplay Improvements: General bug fixes were implemented to provide a smoother and more pleasant gameplay experience. How to Access New Content
It is important to clarify right away what the 1.3.0 update actually is. Unlike games like Splatoon or Animal Crossing, where updates add new content, the 1.3.0 update for Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl is strictly a stability patch.
Released in March 2022, this update did not add new Pokémon, new areas, or new story elements. Instead, it was released to prepare the game for the "Daybreak" DLC and to fix several lingering bugs.
Here is a complete review of the 1.3.0 update, analyzing what it fixed, what it broke, and the state of the game in its final form.
Score for the Update: 7/10 Score for the Game (Post-Update): 8/10
The 1.3.0 update is essential but unglamorous. It transformed Brilliant Diamond from a somewhat buggy launch title into a stable, complete experience. When Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl launched
The Good:
The Bad:
Should you play it now? If you held off on buying the game because of launch bugs, 1.3.0 makes it safe to play. The game is now in
The Pokémon Brilliant Diamond Version 1.3.0 update, released on March 15, 2022, serves as the definitive completion of the Generation IV remakes. While the games faced initial criticism for missing features at launch, this patch finalized the experience by integrating essential mythical encounters and long-awaited online infrastructure. Mythical Encounters: Arceus and Darkrai
The highlight of the 1.3.0 update is the official introduction of the Azure Flute, a legendary item that was famously coded but never released for the original 2006 games.
Arceus (Azure Flute): To obtain this item, players must have save data for Pokémon Legends: Arceus on their Nintendo Switch with all main story missions completed. The flute appears in the player's bedroom and allows for a confrontation with Arceus at the Spear Pillar.
Darkrai (Member Card): The update also paved the way for the Darkrai event. Between April 1 and April 30, 2022, players could receive the Member Card via Mystery Gift to travel to Newmoon Island. Global Wonder Station (GWS) While the update was necessary, it left several